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The Global E-waste Monitor 2024 highlights the growing e-waste crisis, with global generation reaching a record 62 billion kilograms in 2022, only 22.3% of which was formally collected and recycled. This reflects a fivefold disparity between e-waste generation and recycling growth since 2010. E-waste includes hazardous and valuable materials, with metals like copper and gold valued at $91 billion, but inadequate recycling infrastructure leads to environmental and health damage from pollutants like mercury and plastics. The report emphasizes the need for global policy alignment, investments in recycling, repair initiatives, and improved e-waste management. Future scenarios predict e-waste will grow to 82 billion kilograms by 2030, underscoring the urgency for collective global action to address the challenges and realize the economic and environmental benefits of better e-waste handling.
